Save The Bay Statement on Another Sewage Spill, Another Wake-Up Call for Narragansett Bay
For Immediate Release
Media Inquiries To:
Juan Espinoza
401-272-3540 x136 (O); 401-203-3184 (C)
jespinoza@savebay.org
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – May 5, 2026 – Today, Rhode Island’s Department of Environmental Management informed the public about the closure of shellfish harvesting in the Lower Providence River (Area 16E) following a wastewater discharge in East Providence that released approximately 800,000 gallons of untreated sewage discharging into the Providence River in the area of Watchemoket Cove. This is the second sewage spill in less than two weeks, following the discharge of approximately 7,500 gallons of untreated sewage into Mount Hope Bay. These incidents underscore an ongoing and unacceptable reality: too much of our coastal infrastructure remains vulnerable to failure, putting Narragansett Bay at risk.
“Rhode Islanders have worked hard and invested billions of dollars, over decades, to improve water quality in Narragansett Bay,” stated Chris Dodge, Narragansett Baykeeper for Save The Bay. “However, the progress we’ve made is under threat. Incidents like these show how quickly that progress can be undermined when preventable pollution enters our waters.”
Rhode Island needs to further invest in wastewater infrastructure, strengthen oversight of aging systems and ensure transparency and accountability when failures occur. Preventing these incidents, and not just responding to them, must be the priority.
For shellfishermen and coastal communities, these closures are not abstract — they mean lost income, lost access, and uncertainty. People are out harvesting crabs, fishing the Spring run of striped bass, sailing and even swimming. Everyone should be able to use and enjoy Bay waters that are clean, safe, and with peace of mind. Our state agencies have an obligation to inform the public in a timely manner when incidents like this occur, including guidance on any precautions that should be taken.
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About Save The Bay
Founded in 1970, the Rhode Island-based nonprofit Save The Bay seeks to protect and improve Narragansett Bay and its 1,705-square-mile watershed. The organization works to achieve its vision of a fully swimmable, fishable Narragansett Bay, accessible to all, through its advocacy, education, and habitat restoration and adaptation work. Learn more about Save The Bay at www.savebay.org.